HIV/AIDS epidemic is complicated, especially in places with many industrial parks and universities.

The HIV/AIDS epidemic in Vietnam is experiencing many complex developments with clear changes in infection patterns. High-risk groups such as men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women continue to pose major challenges in epidemic prevention and control.

The HIV/AIDS epidemic in Vietnam is experiencing many complex developments with clear changes in infection patterns. High-risk groups such as men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women continue to pose major challenges in epidemic prevention and control.

In the first nine months of 2024, Vietnam recorded a total of 11,421 new HIV infections and 1,263 deaths. Notably, the majority of new infections were concentrated in the Southeast and Mekong Delta regions, accounting for nearly 70% of infections, according to a report from the Department of HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control.

That was the information given at a press briefing on HIV/AIDS prevention and control before the rally in response to World HIV/AIDS Day organized by the Department of HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control, Ministry of Health on the afternoon of November 18.

Leaders of the Department of HIV/AIDS Prevention spoke at the event.

The HIV/AIDS epidemic in Vietnam remains complicated, especially in the southern provinces. Areas with many industrial parks, universities, and densely populated areas are prone to high-risk behaviors such as unsafe sex, increasing the risk of HIV infection.

The majority of new infections were among men (82.9%), mainly between the ages of 15-29 (40%) and 30-39 (27.3%). The group with the highest proportion was men who have sex with men (MSM), accounting for 42.2%.

According to Associate Professor, Dr. Phan Thi Thu Huong, Director of the Department of HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control, the MSM group has become the main risk in the HIV epidemic in Vietnam.

The current pattern of HIV infection has changed significantly compared to the past, when the rate of infection through blood has decreased significantly, while the rate of infection through sexual contact has increased. From 2010 to now, the rate of HIV infection through sexual contact has increased from 47.5% to 70.8%.

In addition to the sharp increase in the southern region, recent reports also indicate the risk of an outbreak in the northern mountainous regions and the Central Highlands. This poses a major challenge in controlling and preventing HIV/AIDS in disadvantaged areas lacking health services.

Recent studies have shown that, in addition to MSM, transgender women are also one of the groups at high risk of HIV infection.

The HIV prevalence rate in Hanoi in this group is 5.8% (2022), while in Ho Chi Minh City, this rate increased from 6.8% (2004) to 18% (2016) and 16.5% (2020).

According to Mr. Raman Hailevich, Country Director of UNAIDS Vietnam, although Vietnam has achieved many successes in reducing the number of new infections, there are still many challenges, especially the issue of stigma and discrimination against people with HIV.

According to the Stigma Index, about 22% of sex workers and more than 20% of transgender women reported experiencing discrimination in the past 12 months.

Self-stigma among people living with HIV is also a major barrier, making it difficult to access necessary health care services.

Mr. Hailevich emphasized that there needs to be a change in the way of communicating and approaching the issue, focusing on building a positive image of people living with HIV, helping them confidently contribute to society.

The Vietnamese Government has been implementing many measures to reduce HIV-related stigma and discrimination.

Communication and community education programs are promoted to raise awareness and encourage access to health services and early HIV treatment, contributing to improving the quality of life of people living with HIV.

Mr. Hailevich expressed his hope that with the cooperation of the whole society, the goal of 90% of people living with HIV not being stigmatized or discriminated against is completely feasible. This is not only a commitment, but also an essential task to ensure the right to health for all.

To effectively respond, continuous efforts are needed from all levels of government, social organizations and communities to reduce stigma, enhance prevention and expand care and treatment programs for people infected with HIV.

Source: https://baodautu.vn/dich-hivaids-dien-bien-phuc-tap-nhat-la-noi-co-nhieu-khu-cong-nghiep-truong-dai-hoc-d230329.html